Snap tight system

ABSTRACT

A snap tight system including at least one fastening device is used for joining structural members to form an architectural assembly. The snap tight system includes a splice assembly having a first splice portion and a second splice portion. Further, the snap tight system includes a first structural member having one or more first openings, and a second structural member having one or more second openings. Further still, the snap tight system includes the at least one fastening device having a housing with a spring that actuates a first pin and a second pin. The fastening device joins the first structural member to the second structural member, such that the first pin extends through the first splice portion and the one or more first openings and, the second pin extends through the second splice portion and the one or more second openings so as to form the architectural assembly.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates generally to a snap tight system (also referred as a spring-pin assembly, a union system or, more generally, a fastening system) that is used for joining structural members to form an architectural assembly. The snap tight system includes at least one splice assembly having a first splice portion and a second splice portion. The plurality of structural members comprises a first structural member and a second structural member. The first structural member includes one or more first openings and the second structural member includes one or more second openings. Further, the snap tight system includes at least one fastening device having a housing with a spring that actuates a first pin and a second pin. The fastening device joins the first structural member to the second structural member, such that the first pin extends through the first splice portion and the one or more first openings and, the second pin extends through the second splice portion and the one or more second openings to form the architectural assembly. In preferred embodiments, the fastening device can have the length of the spring in a relaxed state that is shorter than the length of the housing. In another embodiment, the fastening device can have the length of the spring, so that at least a portion of the first pin and the second pin are retained within the housing. In another embodiment, the spring and associated pins can be captured within the housing to prevent separation of the elements of the fastening device.

2. Discussion of Background Information

Many structures designed over the years, include different types of fittings that are configured to connect trusses, rafters, beams, posts and other components to each other. However, the design of these fittings can be complex, heavy, and cumbersome to use. In addition, these fittings do not lend themselves to rapid assembly. For example, some factors that may affect the design of a fitting used to inter-connect the supporting members can include the structural loads or forces that are applied to the fitting, the specific structural application of the fitting, e.g., post and beam and or frame construction, and the type of environmental conditions that the fitting is exposed to.

Generally, there are many ways to construct a building; for example, two basic methods include “post and beam” and “frame”. Both of these construction methods often require different size and shape fittings. In addition, a specific construction method may or may not dictate the characteristics of the fittings, such as material, load or force specifications, etc. Roof structures are generally referred to as either trusses or rafters and can require different types of fittings, depending on the type of construction. Trusses are typically designed to be supported at the ends by the structure of the outer wall frame, and generally span the distance between the walls without any interior support. Rafters, on the other hand, include a center support along the roof of the structure or the building's centerline. Lumber is extended between the center support and the outer walls. Since rafters have a center support, they are not generally used where center openings and high overhead clearances are desired or required. Most structures or buildings use trusses in one form or the other for the roof with fastening or fitting devices. Several reasons account for the widespread use of trusses. Trusses are typically pre-assembled, so they do not have to be assembled at the jobsite. This results in more uniformity in the roof structure and generally leads to higher quality roofs. Trusses can generally be assembled much faster than rafters can be built and are inter-connected with fastening or fitting devices. Therefore, the use of trusses speeds the construction of a roof and/or structure. Another advantage to using trusses is the ability to have large center openings in the building without needing a center support. Trusses are typically engineered to place the weight of the truss in a downward force on the sidewalls. In order to do so, there is generally a horizontal cross member to absorb the outward force created by the weight on the peak of the roof. A key component to speedy construction can include the type of fittings being used. Therefore, it is essential to use a type of fitting that is easy to install in inter-connecting supporting members, as well as one that can withstand the specific characteristics of the building or structure.

There are a number of different truss designs and applications as well as many types of fittings that are used to inter-connect them. The present invention is generally applied to fittings for inter-connecting structures classified as post and beam construction, at least as far as the primary support is concerned. However, the present invention fittings can be used with a static structure consisting of straight slender members that inter-connect at joints and/or other types of trusses, by non-limiting example, hybrid trusses.

Generally, in post and beam construction vertical posts and columns are used as the primary supporting structure. They are typically inter-connected at the joints with fastening or fitting devices. Horizontal beams cross the posts to provide horizontal structure and stability. A horizontal beam is usually used at the top of the post for attaching the trusses or rafters. As such, the top of all posts must be horizontally leveled before attaching the top beam or top plate. Typically, the ends of trusses or rafters are positioned on the top plate or top beam. It takes a considerable amount of time in most post and beam construction to level the top posts. This is due to the leveling of the grounds and foundation, and the building of a wall with a uniform height, placed on the leveled foundation. For example, if the grounds and foundation are not level, administering the fastening and fitting devices to inter-connect the joints can be very difficult.

U.S. Pat. N. 5,660,005 issued to Tacoma discloses a typical steel framed structure 10 that can be assembled and dissembled. The Tacoma device includes ridge beams 16 connected between two spaced ridged receivers 12 with two rafters 14 also secured to the ridge receivers 12. The rafters 14 extend through hip receivers 18, each of which is connected to a hip beam 18 and a post 20. Thus, two identical ridge receivers 12 and four identical hip receivers 18, a ridge beam 16, two hip beams 18 and four posts 20 are sufficient to construct a complete structure 10. However, several different types of fittings, such as nuts and bolts 38, tubular sleeves 70, pins 122, springs 124, lock fascia members 24, to name a few are required to assemble structure 10. See FIGS. 1-2, 8, 1318 and 20 and Col. 5, lines 12-27; Col. 6, lines 51-58; Col. 9, line 58 to Col. 10, line 10 of Tacoma. The Tacoma device is complex in design, and includes many different types and sizes of fittings that cannot be assembled or disassembled easily.

Similarly, there are many other known fastening means or fitting devices, e.g., screws, bolts, rivets, clips and dowels, that can be used for inter-connecting support members joints. See U.S. Pat. No. 6,327,823 issued to Emms, Col. 3, lines 28-31; U.S. Pat. No. 6,276,094 issued to Hays, FIGS. 3-6 and Col. 7, lines 7-33; U.S. Pat. No. 6,460,309 issued to Schneider, FIGS. 20-28 and Col. 6, lines 15-51; U.S. Pat. No. 5,636,936 issued to Kremser, FIGS. 1, 7 and 11 and Col. 7, lines 46-57 and Col. 8, line 20; and See U.S. Pat. No. 5,438,811 issued to Goya, see FIGS. 1-3 and Col. 3, lines 13-62. As mentioned above, these various types of fastening or fitting devices, which come in different sizes and shapes, are cumbersome to use, and they cannot be assembled or disassembled easily.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,321,501 issued to Ignash discloses a collapsible three-sided truss, in which a rectangular central framework section includes outboard framework sections that are each hinged to one side. These sections can be swung together to bring the inter-fitting portions together. The locking mechanisms are manually operable and are used to connect these sections together and form a rigid three-sided truss. The locking mechanism includes a plunger 38 that is slidable in each cross member 30, which is urged by a spring 40 (compressed by a stop plug 42). See FIG. 8 and Col. 3, lines 9-24 of the Ignash design. However, the locking mechanism in the Ignash design can be difficult to implement due to the locking pin 44 having to pass through aligned holes 46 on opposite sides of the partial sleeve 36. In addition, it is possible for the retraction bar 48 to be jarred either during and/or after installation. This could lead to structural failure in the collapsible three-sided truss, among other things.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,047,509 issued to Sovoie discloses a panel used for display purposes. This panel includes a frame with corner members that are molded in identical halves and snapped together. The corner member comes with T-slots that can receive slidable members along the outer edges. The corner members have receptacles for receiving pins or shanks that can be latched in place with a latch member sliding in the T-slot on at least one of the legs of the respective corner member. See FIGS. 2, 5-6 and 8 and Col. 15-41. However, even though the Sovoie device may resolve at least one problem associated with the Ignash device, e.g., jarring the retraction bar during and/or after installation, the Sovoie device can be difficult to use and further requires many spring-loaded detent assemblies to inter-connect the supporting members.

There are many known fittings in the prior illustration that are similar to the Sovoie device which have the same or at least similar issues associated with them. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 2,931,129 issued to Boniface discloses a socket type connecting bracket member that contains openings, which are engaged by spring-loaded bullet type plungers 10, 11, 12, and are carried, by frame members 4 and 8. See FIGS. 3 and 19 and Col. 3, lines 52-75 and Col. 4, lines 34-43 of Boniface. U.S. Pat. No. 4,076,438 issued to Bos discloses plungers 20 and 21 positioned in openings formed in arms 7 and 8 of part 4 and are able to slide perpendicularly to arms 7 and 8 with the assistance of springs 22 and 22. See FIGS. 1-3d and Col. 4, lines 32-60 of Bos. Further, U.S. Pat. No. 4,778,487 issued to Chenel discloses a rod spring assembly with several characteristics for inter-connecting support members. See FIG. 25, 6, 8, 12 and 16 and Col. 3, lines 36-65 of Chenel. However, all of the above-mentioned prior art involve complex designs, include many different part types and sizes that make up the fittings, and are difficult to assemble or disassemble.

Therefore a fitting device is needed which can resolve the above-mentioned problems illustrated in the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a snap tight system (also referred as a spring-pin assembly, a union system or, more generally, a fastening system) that is used for joining structural members to form an architectural assembly. The snap tight system includes at least one splice assembly including a first splice portion and a second splice portion. The plurality of structural members comprises a first structural member and a second structural member. The first structural member includes one or more first openings and the second structural member includes one or more second openings. Further, the snap tight system includes at least one fastening device having a housing with a spring that actuates a first pin and a second pin. The fastening device joins the first structural member to the second structural member, such that the first pin extends through the first splice portion and the one or more first openings and, the second pin extends through the second splice portion and the one or more second openings to form the architectural assembly. In preferred embodiments, the fastening device can have the length of the spring in a relaxed state that is shorter than the length of the housing. In another embodiment, the fastening device can have the length of the spring, so that at least a portion of the first pin and the second pin are retained within the housing. In another embodiment, the spring and associated pins can be captured within the housing to prevent separation of the elements of the fastening device. Further, the snap tight system, and in particular the fastening device may be used for joining structural members to form an architectural assembly, such as a roof top window, skylights, sunrooms or other similar assorted structures.

According to another feature of the invention, the union system can be used to join structural members to form an architectural element. For example, the union system may comprise of at least one splice assembly having a first splice portion and a second splice portion. Further, the union system can include a plurality of structural members having a first structural member and a second structural member. The union system may also include one or more first openings arranged on the first structural member of the plurality of structural members and one or more second openings arranged on the second structural member of the plurality of structural members. Further still, the union system can include a fastening device that includes a housing with a spring actuating a first pin and a second pin. The fastening device can join the first structural member to the second structural member, such that the first pin extends through the one or more first openings and the first splice portion, and the second pin extends through the one or more second openings and the second splice portion to form the architectural element.

According to another feature of the invention, the union system can be used for joining structural members to form an architectural element. The union system may comprise of at least one splice assembly including a first splice portion and a second splice portion. Further, the union system can include a plurality of structural members having a first structural member and a second structural member. Further still, one or more first openings may be arranged on the first structural member of the plurality of structural members and one or more second openings can be arranged on the second structural member of the plurality of structural members. Further, the union system may include a fastening device comprising a housing with an elastic stored-energy machine element actuating a first pin and a second pin. The fastening device can join the first structural member to the second structural member, such that the first pin extends through the one or more first openings and the first splice portion, and the second pin extends through the one or more second openings and the second splice portion to form the architectural element.

According to another feature of the invention, a fastening assembly can be used for joining a plurality of structural members to form an architectural element. The plurality of structural members can include a first structural member, a second structural member and at least one splice assembly. Further, one or more first openings can be arranged on the first structural member and one or more second openings can be arranged on the second structural member. Further still, the fastening assembly can further comprise a housing having an elastic stored-energy machine element actuating a first pin and a second pin. The fastening assembly can join the first structural member to the second structural member, such that a portion of the fastening assembly extends through a first opening of the one or more first openings, a second opening of the one or more second openings and the splice assembly to form the architectural element.

According to another feature of the invention, a fastening system can be used for joining a plurality of structural members to form an architectural element. The plurality of structural members can include a first structural member, a second structural member and at least one splice assembly. The splice assembly can include a first slice portion and a second slice portion, wherein the one or more first openings can be arranged on the first structural member and one or more second openings can be arranged on the second structural member. The fastening system further comprises a housing having a spring actuating a first pin and a second pin. Further, the first pin can extend through a first opening of the one or more first openings as well as through the first slice portion. Further still, the second pin can extend through a second opening of the one or more second openings as well as through the second slice portion, so as to join the first structural member to the second structural member, thus resulting in forming the architectural element.

According to another feature of the invention, a snap tight system can be used for joining extruded aluminum structural members so as to form an architectural element. The snap tight system can comprise of at least one splice assembly having a first slice portion and a second slice portion. Further, the plurality of structural members can include a first structural member and a second structural member. The snap tight system further comprises one or more first openings arranged on the first structural member of the plurality of structural members and one or more second openings arranged on the second structural member of the plurality of structural members. The snap tight system also comprises at least one fastening device that includes a housing having a spring that actuates a first pin and a second pin. The first pin can extend through a first opening of the one or more first openings as well as through the first slice portion. The second pin can extend through a second opening of the one or more second openings as well as through the second slice portion, so as to join the first structural member to the second structural member, thus resulting in forming the architectural element.

Other exemplary embodiments and advantages of the present invention may be ascertained by reviewing the present disclosure and the accompanying drawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is further described in the detailed description which follows, in reference to the noted plurality of drawings by way of non-limiting examples of exemplary embodiments of the present invention, in which like reference numerals represent similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings, and wherein:

FIG. 1 A perspective view of a first supporting structure joined to a splice assembly and fastening devices,

FIG. 2 A perspective view of an assembled architectural element, which includes a first and second supporting element and a splice assembly and fastening devices,

FIG. 3 An exploded view of the spacer assembly,

FIG. 4 An exploded view of the snap tight system (also referred as a union system and a fastening system),

FIG. 5 An exploded view of the splice assembly with the fastening device,

FIG. 6 A perspective view of an assembled splice assembly with the fastening device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The particulars shown herein are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the embodiments of the present invention only and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the present invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the present invention in more detail than is necessary for the fundamental understanding of the present invention, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the present invention may be embodied in practice.

The present invention in FIGS. 1 and 2 applies to a snap tight system (also referred as a union system and a fastening system) for joining structural members 2, and 3 to form an architectural assembly 1. The plurality of structural members includes a first structural member 2 and a second structural member 3. The first structural member 2 includes one or more first opening 2 a and the second structural member 3 includes one or more second opening 3 b. The snap tight system includes at least one splice assembly 4 that includes a first splice portion 4 a and a second splice portion 4 b. Furthermore, the snap tight system includes at least one fastening device 10, which is positioned in the splice assembly 4 in order to join the first structural member 2 to the second structural member 3 and to form an architectural assembly.

FIG. 2 illustrates an architectural assembly 1 with structural members 2 and 3 joined together by the union system, e.g., splice assembly 4 (not shown) and fastening device 10.

FIG. 3 shows an enlarged view of spacer assembly 5. Spacer assembly 5 is comprised of a first spacer portion 5 a that threads into a first end 6a of a barrel 6 and a second spacer portion 5 b which threads in to a second end 6 b of barrel 6.

FIG. 4 shows an enlarged view of fastening system 10. This fastening system is comprised of a first pin 10 a, a second pin 10 b, a spring 11 and a housing 12. Spring 11 is positioned within housing 12 and pins 10 a and 10 b are positioned on each end of the spring, so as to partially extend in and out of the housing. For example, the first pin 10 a is positioned at least partially in a first end 12 a of housing 12 and the second pin 10 b is positioned at least partially in a second end 12 b of housing 12. Spring 11 positioned within the housing 12 is such a length that allows the pins to extend partially in and out of the housing when not actuated by a compressive force. However, when the first pin 10 a and second pin 10 b are simultaneously placed under a compressive force, the spring will compress and pins 10 a and 10 b are compressed further into the housing. When the compressive force is released, the spring will return to its original shape and the pins will be returned to their original position.

FIG. 5 demonstrates an enlarged view of the union system, e.g., splice assembly 4, which includes fastening device 10. As discussed above, the splice assembly 4 shows the spacer assembly 5 positioned between the first splice portion 4 a and second splice portion 4 b so as to fasten together the splice portions 4 a and 4 b. Also, as discussed above, spacer assembly 5 includes the first spacer portion 5 a and the second spacer portion 5 b, which are threaded into barrel element 6. In particular, the first spacer portion 5 a extends through first splice portion 4 a and subsequently threads into the first end 6 a of the barrel element 6, while the second spacer portion 5 b extends through the second splice portion 4 b and subsequently threading into the second end 6 b of the barrel element 6. As a result, as discussed above, spacer assembly 5 fastens the splice portions 4 a and 4 b together in order to form the splice assembly 4, so that fastening device 10 may be assembled.

Still referring to FIG. 5, and as discussed above, fastening system 10 is comprised of pins 10 a and 10 b, spring 11 and housing 12. The first pin 10 a is positioned at least partially in the first end 12 a of the housing 12 and the second pin 10 b is positioned at least partially in the second end 12 b of housing 12. Spring 11 is positioned within housing 12 and actuates both the first pin 10 a and the second pin 10 b when pins 10 a and 10 b are placed under a compression force.

FIG. 6 shows an assembled splice assembly 4 with an assembled fastening system 10 positioned therein. To position the fastening system 10 into the splice assembly 4, pins 10 a and 10 b are placed under a compression force in order to completely enter into housing 12. While pins 10 a and 10 b are under the compression force, fastening system 10 is placed between the first splice portion 4 a and the second splice portion 4 b of the assembled splice assembly 4. Once fastening system 10 is positioned within the assembled splice assembly 4, it is slid into position so that pins 10 a and 10 b can enter the first splice opening 4 aa (see also FIG. 5), and the second splice opening 4 bb (see FIG. 5), respectively. As a result, fastening system 10 is completely assembled into splice assembly 4, when pins 10 a and 10 b extend outwardly from the assembled splice assembly 4. Note that pins 10 a and 10 b should be able to actuate inwardly under a compression force and return back to their respective original position when the compression force is removed. Again, FIG. 4 shows fastening system 10 as positioned within splice assembly 4.

According to another characteristic of the invention, the instant invention may include an elastic stored-energy machine element similar to spring 11 that actuates the first pin 10 a and second pin 10 b, such that at least a portion of the first pin 10 a and second pin 10 b are retained within housing 12.

It is possible, the snap tight system (also referred as a spring-pin assembly, a union system or, more generally, a fastening system), and in particular, the fastening device may be used for joining structural members to form an architectural assembly, such as a roof top window, skylights, sunrooms or other similar assorted structures.

It is noted that the foregoing examples have been provided merely for the purpose of explanation and are in no way to be construed as limiting of the present invention. While the present invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment, it is understood that the words, which have been used herein, are words of description and illustration, rather than words of limitation. Changes may be made, within the purview of the appended claims, as presently stated and as amended, without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention in its aspects. Although the present invention has been described herein with reference to particular means, materials and embodiments, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the particulars disclosed herein; rather, the present invention extends to all functionally equivalent structures, methods and uses, such as are within the scope of the appended claims. 

1. A union system for joining structural members to form an architectural element, the union system comprising: at least one splice assembly including a first splice portion and a second splice portion; a plurality of structural members including a first structural member and a second structural member; one or more first openings arranged on the first structural member of the plurality of structural members; one or more second openings arranged on the second structural member of the plurality of structural members; at least one fastening device comprises a housing having a spring actuating a first pin and a second pin; and wherein the at least one fastening device joins the first structural member to the second structural member, such that the first pin extends through the one or more first openings and the first splice portion, and the second pin extends through the one or more second openings and the second splice portion to form the architectural element.
 2. The union system according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of structural members are extruded aluminum structural members.
 3. The union system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one splice assembly is an extruded aluminum structural member.
 4. The union system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one fastening device includes means for retaining the spring, and at least a portion of the first and the second pin within the housing.
 5. A union system for joining structural members to form an architectural element, the union system comprising: at least one splice assembly including a first splice portion and a second splice portion; a plurality of structural members including a first structural member and a second structural member; one or more first openings arranged on the first structural member of the plurality of structural members; one or more second openings arranged on the second structural member of the plurality of structural members; at least one fastening device comprises a housing having an elastic stored-energy machine element actuating a first pin and a second pin; and wherein the at least one fastening device joins the first structural member to the second structural member, such that the first pin extends through the one or more first openings and the first splice portion, and the second pin extends through the one or more second openings and the second splice portion to form the architectural element.
 6. The union system according to claim 5, wherein the elastic stored-energy machine element deforms under a compression force, and after release from the compression force recovers back to its approximate original position.
 7. The union system according to claim 5, wherein the plurality of structural members are extruded aluminum structural members.
 8. The union system according to claim 5, wherein the at least one slice assembly is an extruded aluminum structural member.
 9. The union system according to claim 5, wherein the at least one fastening device includes means for retaining the spring, and at least a portion of the first and the second pin within the housing.
 10. At least one fastening assembly for joining a plurality of structural members to form an architectural element, the plurality of structural members include a first structural member, a second structural member and at least one splice assembly, wherein one or more first openings are arranged on the first structural member and one or more second openings are arranged on the second structural member, the at least one fastening assembly comprising: a housing having an elastic stored-energy machine element actuating a first pin and a second pin; and wherein the at least one fastening assembly joins the first structural member to the second structural member, such that a portion of the at least one fastening assembly extends through a first opening of the one or more first openings, a second opening of the one or more second openings and the at least one splice assembly to form the architectural element.
 11. The at least one fastening assembly according to claim 10, wherein the elastic stored-energy machine element deforms under a compression force, and after release from the compression force recovers back to its approximate original position.
 12. The at least one fastening assembly according to claim 10, wherein the plurality of structural members are extruded aluminum structural members.
 13. The at least one fastening assembly according to claim 10, wherein the at least one slice assembly is an extruded aluminum structural member.
 14. The at least one fastening assembly according to claim 10, wherein the at least one fastening device includes means for retaining the spring, and at least a portion of the first and the second pin within the housing.
 15. A fastening system for joining a plurality of structural members to form an architectural element, the plurality of structural members include a first structural member, a second structural member and at least one splice assembly having a first slice portion and a second slice portion, wherein one or more first openings are arranged on the first structural member and one or more second openings are arranged on the second structural member, the fastening system comprising: a housing having a spring actuating a first pin and a second pin; and wherein the first pin extends through a first opening of the one or more first openings and the first slice portion, and the second pin extends through a second opening of the one or more second openings and the second slice portion, so as to join the first structural member to the second structural member to form the architectural element.
 16. The fastening system according to claim 15, wherein the plurality of structural members are extruded aluminum structural members.
 17. The fastening system according to claim 15, wherein the at least one slice assembly is an extruded aluminum structural member.
 18. The at least one fastening assembly according to claim 15, wherein the at least one fastening device includes means for retaining the spring, and at least a portion of the first and the second pin within the housing.
 19. A snap tight system for joining extruded aluminum structural members to form an architectural element, the snap tight system comprising: at least one splice assembly having a first slice portion and a second slice portion; a plurality of structural members including a first structural member and a second structural member; one or more first openings arranged on the first structural member of the plurality of structural members; one or more second openings arranged on the second structural member of the plurality of structural members; at least one fastening device comprises a housing having a spring actuating a first pin and a second pin; and wherein the first pin extends through a first opening of the one or more first openings and the first slice portion and the second pin extends through a second opening of the one or more second openings and the second slice portion, so as to join the first structural member to the second structural member to form the architectural element.
 20. The at least one fastening assembly according to claim 19, wherein the at least one fastening device includes means for retaining the spring, and at least a portion of the first and the second pin within the housing. 